Warm Home Discount Core Group 2 explained

The Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme provides a one-off payment of £150 to help eligible households in Great Britain with their energy bills. For older adults on low incomes, understanding how this support works, particularly for Core Group 2, can be complex. This guide clarifies who qualifies, how the payment is made automatically, and what steps to take if you believe you are eligible but have not received it.

Understanding schemes like the WHD can help you manage your energy costs. Fuse Energy aims to make managing your home's energy straightforward with clear pricing and in-app usage data. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

What is the Warm Home Discount Core Group 2?

The WHD scheme is a government initiative designed to support vulnerable households with their energy costs. It provides a direct financial contribution to help manage electricity bills during the colder months.

Understanding the £150 discount

The WHD provides a one-off discount of £150 on your electricity bill. This payment is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. For the winter 2026 to 2027 scheme, it opens in October 2026, with payments typically made by 31 March 2027. The discount is applied directly to your electricity bill, or as credit if you use a prepayment meter.

Key differences from Core Group 1 and the Broader Group

The WHD scheme has different eligibility groups. Core Group 2 is specifically for individuals receiving certain means-tested benefits.

• Core Group 1 typically covers those who receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
• Core Group 2 includes individuals on other means-tested benefits.
• The Broader Group, which previously existed, required an application and was for those on low incomes who met specific criteria set by their energy supplier. For Core Group 2, the process is automatic, meaning you do not need to apply.

Who is eligible for Core Group 2?

Eligibility for the WHD Core Group 2 is determined automatically by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This means that if you qualify, you will receive the discount without needing to fill out an application form.

Qualifying benefits for automatic identification

To be eligible for Core Group 2, you must be receiving certain means-tested benefits on the qualifying day in August 2026. These benefits can include Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Income Support.

How the DWP identifies eligible households

The DWP automatically identifies households for Core Group 2 by cross-referencing their benefit data. If you are identified as eligible, you will typically receive a letter from the DWP between October and December confirming your eligibility. This letter will explain that you will receive the £150 discount directly from your electricity supplier.

What if you think you are eligible but do not receive a letter?

If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria for Core Group 2 but have not received a letter from the DWP by December, it is important to take action. You can check the GOV.UK website for guidance or contact organisations like Citizens Advice1 for assistance.

How and when the discount is paid

For those in Core Group 2, the WHD is applied automatically, removing the need for you to apply directly for the payment.

The automatic payment process

The £150 discount is paid directly by your electricity supplier. You do not need to do anything to receive it if you are in Core Group 2, as the DWP communicates your eligibility to your supplier. This automatic process is designed to ensure that those most in need receive the support without additional administrative burden.

Payment timelines for winter 2026 to 2027

Payments for the winter 2026 to 2027 scheme are made between October 2026 and March 2027. All eligible households should receive their discount by 31 March 2027. It is a good idea to keep an eye on your electricity bills or prepayment meter statements during this period.

How the discount appears on your bill

The £150 discount will appear as a credit on your electricity bill. If you have a prepayment meter, the discount will be applied as credit directly to your meter. This means you will have more credit available for your electricity usage. You should check your statements or meter balance to confirm that the payment has been received. For more details on how these meters work, you can read our guide on prepayment meters explained.

Warm Home Discount and changing energy suppliers

Many people worry that switching energy suppliers might affect their eligibility for support schemes like the WHD. For Core Group 2, this is generally not the case.

Does switching suppliers affect your discount?

Changing energy suppliers does not affect your eligibility for the WHD Core Group 2. This is because the DWP, not your energy supplier, identifies who is eligible based on your benefits. The DWP then informs your electricity supplier that you qualify for the discount. If you are considering a change, our article on switching energy supplier offers useful advice.

Ensuring your payment is received after a switch

If you switch suppliers, the DWP will communicate your eligibility to your new electricity provider. However, it is always wise to keep a record of any correspondence you receive from the DWP regarding your WHD eligibility. If you switch suppliers and do not see the discount applied by 31 March 2027, you can check the GOV.UK website or contact Citizens Advice for assistance.

Other energy bill support for older adults

Beyond the WHD, several other government schemes and registers can provide valuable support with energy costs for older adults. You can find more general information about energy bill support in our dedicated guide.

Winter Fuel Payment: eligibility and amounts

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, one-off payment of between £100 and £300 to help with heating costs for people of State Pension age. For winter 2026 to 2027, you are eligible if you were born before 28 June 1960. The payment amount varies, with those aged 80 or over (born before 28 September 1946 for 2026/27) typically receiving £300, and others receiving £200.

It is important to note that from winter 2025/26, the Winter Fuel Payment was made universal again for everyone over State Pension age in England and Wales, paid automatically. However, if your total taxable income is over £35,000 a year, HMRC will recover the full amount via your tax code (PAYE) or Self Assessment. You can opt out before the September deadline to avoid this recovery. The payment is for England and Wales only; Scotland has its own equivalent, and it is no longer paid to people living outside the UK. Most eligible individuals receive a letter in October or November and are paid in November or December. For more details, see our guide on the Winter Fuel Payment.

The Priority Services Register: extra help from your supplier

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free register that helps energy suppliers and network operators identify and support customers who may need extra assistance during power cuts or supply interruptions. You can join if you are of State Pension age, have a disability or long-term medical condition (including mental health conditions), rely on medical equipment that uses electricity, or have recently experienced changes in circumstances such as recovering from an injury or bereavement.

Being on the PSR can provide benefits like advance notice of planned power cuts, priority support in an emergency, an identification and password scheme for callers, and the option to nominate someone to receive communications and bills on your behalf. If you have a prepayment meter that is difficult to access, your supplier may be able to move it. You can join by contacting your energy supplier or network operator directly. Learn more about the PSR and how it can help.

Grants and other financial assistance

Several other forms of support are available:

• Fuel vouchers can help if you have a prepayment meter and are struggling to top it up. Your local council may be able to help you get one.
• Cold Weather Payments are one-off payments made during periods of very cold weather (0°C or below for 7 consecutive days) between 1 November and 31 March, for those on certain benefits.
• Energy debt grants are offered by various energy suppliers to their own customers. The British Gas Energy Trust also provides grants that are open to anyone, not just British Gas customers, usually requiring debt advice before application.
• Help is also available for energy-saving home improvements, such as insulation or heating upgrades.

Frequently asked questions about Core Group 2

Can I apply for the Warm Home Discount Core Group 2?

No, you cannot apply for the WHD Core Group 2. Eligibility is determined automatically by the DWP based on your receipt of certain means-tested benefits. If you qualify, you will receive a letter from the DWP confirming your eligibility, and the £150 discount will be applied directly by your electricity supplier.

What if I have a prepayment meter?

If you have a prepayment meter and are eligible for the WHD Core Group 2, the £150 discount will be applied as credit directly to your meter. This means you will have more credit available for your electricity usage. You should check your meter balance or statements to confirm the payment has been received.

Who can I contact for help?

If you have questions about your eligibility for the WHD Core Group 2, or if you believe you are eligible but have not received a letter or the payment, you can check the GOV.UK website for guidance or contact organisations like Citizens Advice for assistance.

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you are paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.